Tired of looking out your back window at an ugly, weathered backyard shed? What to do without having to go to the trouble and expense of building a shed? Is your better half nudging you to “do something about that ugly shed?” One can’t deny, even the ugliest of sheds is better than no shed.
First, make sure the shed is solid and worthy of continued maintenance – if it needs rebuilding, you can get shed plans that will guide your reconstruction. However, if it’s sturdy, shows no signs of rot or rust – its worthy of a beauty makeover.
Doors are a great way to freshen and update your garden shed – explore options at your local home center. Bring some humor to your shed with an old-fashioned outhouse door. Or, explore wood doors that allow for a bright colored paint, split doors offer a casual look, and double barn doors will provide for charming convenience.
New hardware provides an easy way to give the shed a more current look. Knobs, hinges, latches, and lights will support an affordable facelift.
Consider replacing the weathered, fly filled windows with paneled windows – if the sizes are standard, it’s an affordable upgrade that will add charm and a clean appearance to your backyard shed.
Windows? Now the fun begins. Affordable shutters painted to match your doors and other trim will turn an eye-soar into an adorable shed that will draw the envy of neighbors. If shutters are too cute for your style, consider a variety of flower boxes.
If these added updates aren’t enough, consider adding some pre-fabbed gingerbread accents to soften your shed’s edges, corners and eves. These are easy to install, simple to paint to match and will add an entire new look to your once staid looking shed.
New shed siding can be added, or even a new roof without redoing the entire construction. There are countless options when considering new siding; feel free to explore several unique shed siding ideas here.
If you truly have time on your hands, you may want to ponder updating your shed with a new front porch; add an awning or railing – all or part of this will offer a soft and welcoming appearance. Some have taken it a step further by adding a stone, brick or gravel path, complimenting the inviting look.
Never underestimate the power of paint. Consider a bright and contrasting color of the door and trim.
Tired of looking at that empty shed side? Try sprucing it up with an artistically arranged display of something curious. For example antique yard tools, hanging baskets, birdhouses, tiles, sundials or other interesting items.
Add a trellis to soften the shed’s presence. We’ve seen simple trellis made from apple tree pruning’s that were woven together and kept in place with wire – 2-3-4 in a row along the sheds side will be something a garden club would fuss over, attractive and easy.
Now, for the obvious suggestion – updating your shed can be as simple as adding some matching flower pots, a bench or a wreath on the door. Sometimes “fresh” can be just a splash of “new” and not an entire makeover.
Regardless, we hope a few of these suggestions have given you some ideas on how to turn an old shed new.